Extension-table.



PATENTED AUG. 25, 1903. G. B. RUSSELL.

EXTENSION TABLE.

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N0. 737,492. -PATENTED AUG. Z5 1903.

G. E. RUSSELL.

EXTENSION TABLEL PATENTED AUG. 25, 1903 G. E. RUSSBLL EXTENSION TABLE.

APPLIOATION rn.nn JUL! 21, 1902.

10 IODIIL.

vwenkoz UNlTED STATES' Patented August5, 1903.

PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE E. RUSSELL, OF LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS, ASSIGNOR OF ONE- FOURTH T0 A. L. KUNZ, OF LEAVENWORTI-I, KANSAS.

EXTENSlON-TABLE.

SPEC'IFIGATION forming pai1. of Letters Patent N0. 787,492, dated August 25, 1903-.

Applicaion filed July 21,19021 Serial N0. 1l6469. (N0 moeh) T0 all zu7wm 2125 may concern:

Bei1) known that I, GEORGE E. RUSSELL, a

citizen of the Uni1zed Sla'es, residing a1; Leavenwor1h, Leavenworth county, Kansas, have invented eer1aain new and nseful Improvements in Extension-Tables; and I 110 hereby dec'lare the following to be a full, clear, and exaet description 0f the invention,sueh as will enable others skilled in the ar1a 110 whieh 1 111 appertalns t0 make and use the same.

Tl1is invenbion 1elates 110 certain improvements in tables, and relaues more particularly 110 improvements in extension dining-t-ables. An object 01: the invenbion is to provide an exceedingly light-weight and dnrable knock- 4 down extension-table 0f sheet metal.

Another objeet 0f Ehe inventaion is t0 pro- 1 vide an extension dining-table embodying eer1zain improvements in sheet-metal exnen' sion sides whereby 11he table is ca'pable of easy expansion and contraction and 13he use 0f fifth-legs er intermediate supports can be avoided.

Anotaher objeet of the invention is-to proeonstruetions 0f parts whereby a highly efficient and advantageous sheet-metal extension dining-table is produced.

The invention eonsis'os in certain novel features in consbruction and. in details, arrangements, and eombinations 015 parts, as more fully and partieularly pointed 01112 and seb forth hereinafter.

Referring so tl1e aeeompanying drawings, which show eonstruetions for 1:l1e purposes of explanation as examples among ouhers within the spirib and seope of my invention, Figure 1 is a perspeetive view of the table, showing 1zhe same reversed. and extended with one of 1ahe cover o1 top leaves in plane. Fig. 2 is a bottom perspeetive view of the table with the legs folded Clown and 11he table eon1aracted and all leaves removed,parts being broken away 110 show Ehe inne1 faces 0f one of the extension sides er bare. Fig. 3 is a longitndinal sectional view throngh 'ohe table,

showing one leaf berein and showing o'oher leaves in Ehe storing-box therefor. Fig. 4 is a detail perspective view of one of the extensible side er extension bare detaehed and extended. Fig. 5 is a detail section showing the manner of hinging and loeking eaeh leg. Fig. 6 is a detail perspective showing the formation of ohe inner meening edges of the table-top. Fig. 7 is a detail perspeetive 0f one of the table-top leaves 01' removable see 1zions. Fig. 8 is adetail cross-seetion on the line 8 8, Fig. 4.

1 1 are the 1swo sec1zions or ende of 1;he permanent table top er cover. Eaeh sec1sion is formed by a sheet-metal pla1ze or blank pseo, flanged, 0r dished a1: i1ss outer edges 2 t0 stilfen 1;he platze agains1; buckling 0x bending and t0 give the table-top 1zhe finished appearance desired. The inner transverse edges of 13he 1swo seeti ons are straight and parallel and arranged to elose together er ahnt againsb eaeh other and throughout their leng1she when the table is closed 01 redueecl 130 itas small size. Said inner edges of t-he fixed sections 0f the table-top are turned down to form 11he vertically disposed (langes 3, forming the abutting o1 engaging faces of the two sections. Each fixed table-top section is rigidly secured 110 a depending bottom frame, apron, er slde and end bare. Each bottom frame ean be struek up from a single sheen-metal blank 130 form the end 4 and parallel sides 5 5, or the end and sides can be forrned of separate blanke suitably bolted er o1aherwise se- Cured togetsher at their meeting-end edges. Suitable means are provided for securing the top sections 011 the said bottom frame. As a means which can be employed for this purpose I show series of ear's 6, extending horizontally from 1she upper edges of said frame, the top sections being secured 130 said ears in any suitable manner, as bybolts or rivets passed through the 1aop Seebions and. ears.

As a1; pressen1: advised I 'prefer 110 employ nuts and bolts for Lhe fastening means so that the sections can be easily applied and secured 1:0 said frames, rendering the par1as easily put together er connected.

The inner vertical end edges cf the parallel sides 5 am preferably arranged in the same vertieal plames wi11h the immer edges 0f their respeetive top seetions, amd when the 11able is comtracted 10 its small size the said immer vertical edges 0f the opposimg sides abu11 agains11 eaeh other. The vertical flamges 3 a11 the immer edges 0f the top secbioms are cut away t0 reeeive the top edges 0f the sides, and 0me top section is formed with 11heimward projeetions 7 7, arranged 110 projeet1 umder 11heopposing top sec11iom and beside the sides 5 11hereof and 11hrough the openings 01111 im the flamge 3 11hereof. These projec11ions7 hold the t1opsectzions im proper posi11i0m and agaimst indepemdemt horizontal 0r ver11ical play when the 11able is redmced 10 i11s small size;

The sides 5 of eaeh 11able-sectiom are prefferably braced and rigidly secured together mear their immer emds by eross-pieces 8, Suitably formed of shee11 metal and having mp- 11urmed ends bolt1ed or ot1herwise secured 10 the sides 5. These cr0ss-pieces preferably .extend betweem the lower edges 01 the sides 5, msually beimg loca1s'ed im the horizontal plame,imcludimg the l0wer edges 01" sides 5 and end pieces 4. The sides 5 01: the 11w0 end 11ablesecoioms are conmeel1eri together by suitable lomgitudimally-extemsible slidimg eomt1imuations or eommections. For imstamce, I show each rigid side plate 5 longitudinally slo11ted, the slo11s being closed ab the ends. Each side 5 is formed with parallel horizom 1a] oui111urmed flamges 9 9, formimg tracks orguideways alomg and thromghout the lemg11hs 0f thelomgit1udinal edges 0f the sl011. The immer end 0f eaeh 31011 is elosed by and the immer ends of the flamges 9 9 ahmt agaimst the end flamged stoppiece 10, secured ver11ically a11 the immer end 0f eaeh side 5.

The two parallel extensible com11imuations a11 opposite sides 0f the table and between eaeh pair of sides 5 are preferably similar im comsi1ructiom, and each cam be comp0sed of several parallel s'hee11-met1al pla11es overlappimg each o11her and adapted 10 slide longitudimally 0m each other as the 11able end se0ti0ms are moved together 0r apart. Im the specific example illustrated eaoh extemsible eomt1imua- 1110m 0r comneet1iom comsis11s 0f three shee11- me11al pla11esviz., the cem11ral oblomg longi- 1111dimally-slotted plate 11 and the 11w0 similar oblomg slidimg end plates 12 12. The end plates 12 overlap the sides 5 5 and are ar- 1 ranged lomgitmdimally a11 the inmerfaces there- 0f, and each end plate is' in lemgt.h approxi- 1na11ely equal 110 the lemgbh of1he side plate 5, 110 which it is comfined, and the upper edges 0f .11he plates 5, 11, and 12 are all arramged im approxixmately the Same horizontal plane. The outer end 01' each slidimg end plate 12 is comfimecl 110 a fixed side plate 5 10 support saidsl-iding plate againsl1 imdependemt vertieal and lateral play. I show each slidimg plate 12 comfimed 110 its fixed side 5 by a elip 13, arramged transve'rsely a11 the 01111er faee 0f side 5 and aeross the sl011 11hereof Wi11h its ends fi11ted 110 the flamges 9 9 110 slide lomfgi11udinally 11hereon. The cent1er 0f the clip is small removable threaded bolts provided Wi11h mu11s f0r securimg the clips 13 to the plates 12, so tha11 bhese parts cam be readily eoupled together 0r separated if meed be. The pla11es 12 cam slide longitudimally 0f the sides 5, the slidimg movemem11 beimg limi11ed 0mly by the lemgths 0f the l0ngi11mdimal slots im the sides 5; The stops 10 limin the movememt1.of the plates 12 beyomd the immer ends 01 sides 5, while the opposite end Walls of the slo1:s eam lirni11 the opposite movememt 0f pla11es 12 whem the table is comtraeted 110 its small size.

Bach side 0f the 11able is provided with 11w0 rigid. side pla11es 5 and 11W0 slidimg plates 12, and the 0therwise free ends 0f the 11w0 plates 12 are loosely eonmected by the im11errnediate or cemtral plate 11, parallel wi11h and overlappimg the immer faces 01: the 11w0 pla11es 12. Said imtermediate er commeening plate 11 is longitudimally slo11ted, the ends of the 31011 beimg closed, and the plate is formed alomg its immer face With the parallel im11urned flamges 14 throughout the lemgbhs 01' 11helomgi- 11udinal side walls 0f the slo11. The immer end 0f eaeh plate 12 is comfimed 110 the commeetimgplate 11 110 slide longitmdimally thereof by meams rigid Wi11 h pla11es 12 and projeeting thromgh the sl011 im the commecbimg-plate and overlapping and slidimg 0m said flamges 14. F01 imstamce, clips 15, similar im coms11rme- 1110m 110 Clips 13, cam 100 employed f0r this purpose. Eaeh clip 15 is arranged tramsversely a11 the immer face 0f the commecl1img-plate 11 and is rigidly yetrpreferably removably bolted 110 the end 0f i11s plate 12. Whem the 11able is con11racted 110 its small size Wil1h the fixed top seetioms abut11img, the immer ends 0f fixed side pla11es 5 abu11, the immer ends 0f sliding plaes 12 ahnt a11 the cemtral por- 11ioms 0f the commeetimg-plates 11, and the plates 12 and 11 are nest1edtogether a11 the immer faces 0f the sides 5. As the table end sec11ioms are separated, the pla11es 12 move 110- ward the immer ends 0f the fixed side pla11es 5 and the pla11es 12 and 11 bridge the break be11weem the separated side plates 5. When the table end sec11ioms are separated 110 the limit, the clips 13 Will be located a11 the immer ends 01 the fixed side plates 5 and the clips 15, eonnecting each pair of pla11es 12 110 a plate 11, will be located a11 the opposite ends 015 the plate 11, which will bridge the space be11ween i11s pair 0f plates 12. The fiamges forming the guide 0r slide ways f0r the clips 13 15 11011 0mly s11iffem and brace the pla11es, but braee and s11iffem the par11s 110 sus11aim weigh11 01: the leaves and articles 11hereom and hold the parts agaimst1 lateral and Ver11ical play. By employimg the clips and removable securimg devices 11he table cam be easily kmocked. down and cam also be shipped 0r moved kmocked dowm and easily pu11 together again.

Eaeh table-leai' 16 is preferably struek up IOO IIO

from a single sheet-metal blank With its end edges conforming in shape 130 the onter edges 0f the fixed table-top sections. Each leaf is provided With the depending fianges 17 throughout the lengths 0f its longitudinal side edges to coincide with the corresponding flanges 3 0f the fixed t0p sections and with the corresponding flanges 01: adjacen't leaves. The flanges 17 are notched 01 cut away at 18 t0 receive the extensible frarne sides, where-' by each leaf thronghout its full Width will rest directly on the upper edges of the extensible frame sides which pass through said notches. Along one longitudinal edge each leaf has portions of its fiange at notches 18 turnedoutwardly and horizontally 110 forrn the projections 19, corresponding t0 projections 7, hereinbefore referred to. The notches 18 at the opposite edge 0f the leaf will receive projections 19 0f the adjacent leaf 01 the projections 7 0f the fixed t0p section. The notches and projections lock and hold the leaves in pr0per position and against endwise er vertical play.

In the specific exarnple illustrated the table is shown provided with a peculiarly-arranged receptacle t0 receive the leaves not in use t0 f0rm a part 0f the tabletop.

20 is an oblong box arranged centrally and longitudinally beneath the table-top and carried by one 0f the table and sections. The open end 0f the box is rigidly secured t0 the end plate 4 of said end. section and coincides with an opening through said end provided With an exterior swinging lid 0x cover 21, having fastening means, such as a turn-butt0n 22, f01 locking the lid in its closed position. The b0x is ananged above and rigidly secured 130 the bottorn cross-brace cf said table end section. The leaves can be easily and conveniently inserted and rennoved from the box through said end opening, and the box is hidden f10n1 view beneath the table and by reason of its location and arrangement tends t0 brace and strengthen the table.

I preferably provide the table with folding legs 23. 1 show four legs 23 arranged at the corners 0f the table.

Strong cross bars 01' shafts 24 24 are mount ed a1: the tw0 ends cf the table in the fixed side plates 5, near the lower edges of the outer ends thereof. The legs 23 are rn0nnted er hinged at the inner edges 0f their upper -ends, (see 25) 110 swing 0n said cross-bars,

two legs being mounted 0n each cross-bar at the inner faces 0f the fixed plates 5, so that the legs can l0e folded down onto the bottom crosS-braces 0f the table end sections. When in their normal operative vertical positions, the npper end 0f each leg fits into the inner angle between a side plate 5 and end plate 4, and snitable means are provided 130 lock the legs in their said vertical positions. F01 instance, 1 sh0w each leg provided with a projecting plate-spring 26, secured at its l0wer end to the leg and extending upwardly longitudinally thereof With its free inwardlyspringing end projecting upwardly beyond the npper end 0f the leg and provided with a rigid lateral stud 27 and with a handle, finger-hold, er kn0b 28 at the outer side 0f its free end. When the legs are in their normal vertical positions, the springs 26 project npwardly at the onter faces cf the frame ends 4 and press against the Same and maintain their pins 01 studs27 in holes 01 apertures 29 in the frame ends, and thereby firmly hold and lock the legs in position. The legs can be released and folded inwardly against crossbraces 8 by springing the spring-arms 26 outwardly t0 release the studs 01 pins there- 0f frorn the apertures in the frarne ends. When the legs are swung back to their operative upright positions, the studs will automatically project int0 the said apertures and l0ck the legs. Bach legis preferably tnbular 01 hollow and formed by longitudinally donbling or bending a sheet-rnetal blankand suitably uniting the longitudinal edges there- 0f. Each leg at its lower end is provided With a suitable rolling support, preferably consisting 0f a ball 0x spherical h0dy 30 0f hard material, such as glass or poreelain, located within the lower end of the hollow leg and projecting a slight distance below the otherwise open lower end thereof t0 engage and hold the leg frorn the fi0or. The ball is f0rnned with a diametrical opening, through which a rigid shaft 31 extehds and 011 which the ball is mounted 110 turn. The shaft is rigidly secured in the leg.

Tables manufactured from sheet metal are very light in weight, yet are rigid and durable in structure and can be economically manufactured and can be shipped knocked down and easily put together without requiring an expert mechanic. Such tables are n0t afiected by climatic conditions and possess many other material advantages 0ver the ordinary wooden tables. 1

I do not Wish t0 limit myself t0 all the specific constructionsi shown, but consider myself entitled 130 all such changes as fall Within the spitit and scope 0f my invention.

What I clainn isl. In combination, in an extension-table, fixed top sections having depending flanges along their inner edges formed With notches,

portions of one 0f said flanges turned out t0 form lips, side bars depending frorn said sections, exten sible leaf-supporting members between and havi ng sliding connection with said side bars, and a removable leaf formed with longitudinal depending flanges at its side edges having notches, portions 0f one 0f said flanges being turned outward to f0rm lips, forthe purpose described.

2. An extension-table having fixed t0p sections, side bars supporting the top sections,

extensible leaf-supporting members between and having sliding connection with the side bars, and removable leavesadapted t0 rast 0n the extensible mernbers, each of said leaves being formed with depending;flanges along IOO IIO

its longitudinal edges, n0 tchos formod in said' flanges to reeeive the edges of the extensible members, a part of ihe flanges on one edge of eaeh leaf being turned outzward 110 form lips adapted to enter the member-receiving. notch in the con tiguous edge of the adjoining leaf.

3. An extension table having side bars formed with longitudinal slots and each provided with laterally-projeoting flanges ab top and bottom edges of the slot, extensible leafsupporting members between the side bars, oomprising a central plate and end plates overlapping said oentral plate, and olips secured 130 the end plates and projeeting through the slots in the side bars, said clips being formed to engage and be guided by the flanges on the side bars.

4. An extension table having side bars formed wibh longitudinal slotas and each provided wiiah laterally-projecting flanges ab top and bottom edges of the slot, extensible leaf supporting members between the side bars, oomprising a central platze and end plates overlapping said central plate, and clips secured to the end plates and projeeting through the slots in the side bars, said .olips being formed With horizontally-projeeting porhions so bear against the surfaoes of t-he side bar flangos and With turned ends 110 bear against the free edges of tho flanges.

5. An extensible table having side bars formed With longitudinal slots and eaeh pro- Vided wi'nh laterally-projeoting flanges als top and bottom edges of the slot, a stop-piece socured to eaoh side bar and formed with a vertieally-arranged flange designed to forrn an end Wall of the slotin said side bar, leaf-snpportihg me1nbers between the side bars comprising a central platze and end plates having sliding oonneotion With the side bars and With the central platte, and clips seou'red 110 said end plates and adapted to slidably seoure Same 130 the side bars, said olips engaging the flanges to prevent; disconnection of the parts.

6. In combination, in an extension-table,

end sections having side bars, and extensiblo leaf-supporting members between and having sliding oonnection With said side bars and each eomprising a oentral plate having a longitudinal slot and horizontal flanges alongthe longitudinal edges of the slob, end plates overlapping the central plate, and olips secured to the end plates and projecting through the slot in the central plate and engagingand slidin g on said flanges,su bstantially as desorib'ed.

7. In oombination, in an extension-tablo, end sections having side bars longitudinally slotted and forxned with horizontal longitu-' dinal flanges,extensible leaf-su1jporbing mombers bebween and having sliding conneotion With said side bars, and clips arranged beside said bars and sliding on and guided by the outer edges of said flanges, said clips being dished inwardly through said slots and se oured to said leaf-supporting members, substantially as described.

8. In an extension-taable, in oombination, the end seotions, eaoh comprising a depending frame formed of an end pieoe and iswo sides, extonsible side-leaf-supportzing mombers between said sides and .arranged ab the inner faees thereof, horizontal cross-shafbs below the lower edges of said members and between said sides of oho endseotions, vertioally swinging legs below said members, whereby the said mernbers can xnove above the legs without interferenoe therewith, said. legs at their inner sides confined on Ehe orossshafts and arranged 110 swin g to the vertical position With their uppor ends fitning between said shafts and the side and end pieoes, and means 110 detaehably look the legs in their vortical positions.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

GEORGE E. RUSSELL.

Wilsnesses:

E. A. BOORMAN, J. W. GROVES. 

